Application of cold formed hollow steel sections

Abstract

According to EN 1993-1-1, the application of hollow steel sections is permitted in the execution of steel structures, regardless of whether they are hot finished according to EN 10210 or cold finished according to EN 10219. Steel designers often have doubts about the use of cold formed hollow sections due to unfavourable effects of cold forming. Such doubts may be due to inconsistencies in EN 1993-1-8 relating to the permissibility of welding in cold formed zones. The main objective of this paper is to present guidelines for the selection of appropriate rectangular hollow sections in the design of steel structures, with justification of the use of cold formed hollow sections.